As someone who enjoys running long distances, I often get questions from friends and family about why I like running so much.
Why do you like running?
How can you run for so long?
Don’t you get bored?
My short answer is always something like: “I dunno. I just do. It relaxes me,” which I’m sure makes people think I’m even crazier! Ha! I often elaborate about why I love it so much, but my response is usually all over the place depending on how I feel about running at that very moment. (Like a lot of runners, I go through phases of “love” for the sport, but it’s always something that I come back to for a variety of reasons.) So, I started to think about why I love running so much (and maybe you can relate) and, in honor of Global Running Day today, I thought it would be the perfect time to share.
It makes me feel healthy.
Ok, ok, I know this sounds totally cliche, but there have been so many times in my life when I haven’t been healthy enough to run (i.e. colitis flares, injuries), so, now when I run, it signifies that I AM healthy, which, is a big deal! I’m physically able to put one foot in front of the other and, even if I don’t have the best run, I’m still grateful for my level of health.
It makes me feel grateful.
When my ability to run was taken away from me, it made me appreciate it so much more. Now, I never take a run for granted. In fact, as cheesy as it may sound, at the start of every run, I take a minute to thank my lucky stars (and modern medicine) for my health. Because of my challenging journey with an autoimmune disease, running means something totally different to me now. I still remember coming back from rough flares and feeling those first several steps of my run. Every single one felt like a blessing, and I have never forgotten that feeling since.
It’s helped me accomplish things that I didn’t think were possible.
When I talk about running, I often tell people that training for the 2015 Boston Marathon in the worst winter the Northeast has ever seen (hey, 8+ feet of snow) made me a stronger person in so many aspects of my life. I truly believe that experience changed me. I mean, if I could run for 3+ hours in 15 degree weather with snowbanks as tall as me on the side of the road or, hell, stay on a treadmill for 2 hours straight, I could do anything! And, of course, there is no greater sense of satisfaction than setting a personal goal and conquering it, which obviously carries over into my daily life, too.
It’s my time to truly disconnect.
Because of the nature of my jobs, I’m almost always “connected” in one way or another. If I’m not sitting behind my computer, I’m updating my social accounts or chatting with clients on WhatsApp. When I run, I make it a point to totally disconnect from the world. I might listen to music or a podcast, but I don’t check my email or social media. It’s 100% my time to unwind.
Giveaway time!
In honor of Global Running Day, here’s your chance to become a Brooks-endorsed athlete and win a pair of the brand new Glycerin 15!!! Read on for details!
According to the fifth annual Brooks Global Run Happy Report, the majority of runners across the globe (62%) dreamt of becoming a professional athlete as a kid; however, big-time endorsement deals in running are generally reserved for only the fastest in the world. Brooks is mixing things up because the company believes all who run—fast or slow; chasing a personal record or feeding the soul—deserve support in their running pursuits. All runners interested in becoming part of the Brooks Big Endorsement can sign up at www.BrooksAthlete.com. In addition to bragging rights, Brooks-endorsed athletes will receive a $1 check and access to content from Brooks experts about training, nutrition and a variety of other running related topics. Woohoo!
To enter for a chance to win a pair of brand new Glycerins, sign up to become a Brooks-endorsed athlete and then just leave a comment on this blog post saying that you did so. I’ll randomly pick a winner next week. Good luck!
P.S. Looking for a running workout to do today? Check out some of my favorite high-intensity running workouts!
297 Comments
I’m already endorsed. Ever since I copied your other Glycerin 14’s. They still are my favorite sneakers! I’m on my 4th pair of Brooks 🙂
I’m brooks endorsed 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
I signed up!
I signed up. I love Brooks and would like to try the glycerine.
I am Brooks endorsed!
Just joined. I think it’s an awesome idea to do this. Many don’t think they’re Runners bc they don’t do xyz or don’t as fast as somebody else, but we all get out there!
Cool giveaway
Officially endorsed 😉 !!
I love brooks and the glycerin’s specifically! I’m finally feeling back in running shape after having my son and I’d love a new pair of kicks to help with my summer training!
I’m endorsed 🙂
Thanks as always for the inspiration to keep running! I just signed up to become a Brooks-endorsed athlete now!
Endorsed!
Done! I am a Brooks endorsed athlete!
I’m endorsed! I’m still running just a slower pace while pregnant can’t wait to get back after baby!
I am an endorsed athlete with Brooks!
I’m endorsed runner 22218! Woo hoo!
I am endorsed!
Yay! I am a sponsored athlete now! Woo!
I just signed up on Brooks. I am just about ready to get my first post-partum run in!!!
I’m endorsed! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m an endorsed athlete! #19876
Endorsed! I needed this today… my last half was a pain-filled disaster, and I’ve been feeling that I need to give up running. But I love it for all the reasons you stated – and because I need my ME time 🙂 It’s also a great way to explore a new city, so I’m resting up before my summer travels.
I got an email from Brooks about this and signed up immediately, how fun!!
I love Brooks so of course I had to become an Endorsed Athlete for them!
I’m endorsed! Glycerin’s are my favorite and I’m dying to try the 15’s!
I’m endorsed! My husband should be so lucky to now have a professional athlete for a wife 😉
I’m endorsed!! Love that Brook’s offered this!
I’m endorsed!
I am now an ambassador! Thanks for mentioning this opportunity Tina!
Haha I now an endorsed athlete – sweet!
I’m Brooks Athlete #23212!
I’m an endorsed athlete!
I registered!!! It’s time for some new running shoes for me!! I love Brooks shoes:)
I signed up with Brooks!
I am endorsed! Such a fun idea!
I became #brooksendorsed yesterday!! And Brooks are the only shoe I’ll run in ❤️
I’m endorsed
Registered! Brooks are my go-to running shoe.
Signed up!
Endorsed athlete!✔️
What a cool thing for Brooks to do! All registered up 🙂
I’m an endorsed athlete!
I’m now an endorsed Brooks athlete! Woohoo!
I sgined up to be endorsed! WELCOME TO THE TEAM, YOU’RE THE 23706TH BROOKS ATHLETE!
I’m endorsed! Brooks glycerins are my shoe of choice! 🙂
Did it!
Endorsed, though I’ve never tried Brooks actually
I’m endorsed
I signed up. Great promo in brooks part!
I signed up!
I’m Brooks endorsed!! Yay!
I love Brooks -I have been wearing them for over 5 years! I signed up!